Efforts by the National Peace Council to secure a peace pact between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the Akwatia by-election have suffered a setback, heightening political tension in the constituency.
At a scheduled meeting at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Akwatia, the NPP declined to sign the agreement, rejecting the NDC’s delegation on grounds that it was made up of constituency executives rather than national-level representatives.
NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye accused the NDC of deliberately stalling the process, claiming the party had shown little commitment to the peace declaration. The disagreement prevented the anticipated signing, which was to be facilitated by the National Peace Council.
Speaking after the failed engagement, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, a Board Member of the Peace Council, said the body remained open to mediating and facilitating the accord before polling day.
“The two parties earlier on were represented, but there were some issues of concern that needed to be resolved. And in the spirit of mutual dialogue and mutual respect, both parties agreed that we should suspend the meeting,” he told reporters.
The by-election, which has already attracted national attention, continues to be marked by heightened political rhetoric and growing mistrust between the two major parties.
